U.S. patent application number 15/885580 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-01 for card module with multiple connector interfaces.
The applicant listed for this patent is HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT LP. Invention is credited to Wei Ying Chiang, Hung-Chu Lee, Kent Liu, KaiChun Su, Ting Wen Tsai, Yuan-Hung Wang.
Application Number | 20190239376 15/885580 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67392599 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-01 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190239376 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Su; KaiChun ; et
al. |
August 1, 2019 |
CARD MODULE WITH MULTIPLE CONNECTOR INTERFACES
Abstract
A card module includes a transceiver, multiple connector
interfaces that are each matable with a system connector of a
respective type, a detection mechanism and a switching component.
The detection mechanism can detect any one of the multiple
connector interfaces being mated with the system connector of the
respective type. Based on the respective type of the mated system
connector, the switching component implements a switch state to
connected the mated system connector to the transceiver.
Inventors: |
Su; KaiChun; (Taipei,
TW) ; Wang; Yuan-Hung; (Taipei, TW) ; Liu;
Kent; (Taipei, TW) ; Tsai; Ting Wen; (Taipei,
TW) ; Lee; Hung-Chu; (Taipei, TW) ; Chiang;
Wei Ying; (Taipei, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT LP |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
67392599 |
Appl. No.: |
15/885580 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 13/4022 20130101;
H05K 7/1417 20130101; H05K 7/10 20130101; G06F 13/382 20130101;
H01R 2201/06 20130101; G06F 2213/3808 20130101; H01R 13/64
20130101; H01R 12/737 20130101; H01R 2201/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05K 7/10 20060101
H05K007/10; H05K 7/14 20060101 H05K007/14; H01R 12/73 20060101
H01R012/73 |
Claims
1. A card module comprising: a transceiver; multiple connector
interfaces of different types, each of the multiple connector
interfaces being matable with a system connector of a respective
type; a detection mechanism to detect any one of the multiple
connector interfaces being mated with the system connector of the
respective type; and a switching component that implements a switch
state, based on a respective type of the connector interface that
is connected to the system connector, to connect the transceiver to
the system connector of the respective type that is detected as
being mated with one of the multiple connector interfaces.
2. The card module of claim 1, further comprising a housing having
a mechanical fastening feature to attach the card module to a
computer system.
3. The card module of claim 2, wherein the detection mechanism
includes a circuit element that is connected to the system
connector of the respective type that is detected as being mated
with one of the multiple connector interfaces.
4. The card module of claim 3, wherein the circuit element is a
voltage divider.
5. The card module of claim 3, wherein the circuit element provides
one of a high or low voltage signal based on whether the mechanical
fastening feature is used to attach the housing to the computer
system.
6. The card module of claim 4, wherein the mechanical fastening
feature is an aperture to receive a threaded fastener.
7. The card module of claim 2, wherein the housing is dimensioned
to (i) attach planarly to a first computer system to mate a first
connector interface of the multiple connector interfaces to a
system connector of a first type, and (ii) attach edgewise to a
second computer system to mate a second connector interface of the
multiple connector interfaces to a system connector of a second
type.
8. The card module of claim 7, wherein the housing includes a key
feature to externally couple to the system connector of the second
type.
9. The card module of claim 1 wherein the switching component is a
multiplexer.
10. The card module of claim 1, wherein the multiple connector
interfaces includes a mezzanine connector interface and a vertical
connector interface.
11. A method for connecting a card module, the method comprising:
detecting any one of multiple connector interfaces provided on the
card module, as being mated with a system connector of a respective
type; implementing a switch state on a switching component, the
switch state being based on a respective type of the connector
interface that is connected to the system connector; and connecting
a transceiver of the card module to the system connector of the
respective type that is detected as being mated with one of the
multiple connector interfaces.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein detecting any one of multiple
connector interfaces provided on the housing of the card module, as
being mated with the system connector of the respective type
includes detecting whether a mechanical fastener feature of the
card module is used in attaching the card module to a system
computer having the system connector of the respective type.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein detecting whether the
mechanical fastener of the card module is used in attaching the
card module includes using a circuit element to detect use of the
mechanical fastener feature.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein detecting any one of multiple
connector interfaces provided on the housing of the card module, as
being mated with the system connector of the respective type
includes using a circuit element to detect insertion of a fastener
in an aperture of the mechanical fastener feature.
15. A network interface card module comprising: a housing to retain
a network interface resource; a transceiver; multiple connector
interfaces of different types, including a first connector
interface that is matable with a system connector of a first type
and a second connector interface that is matable with a system
connector of a second type; a detection circuit to detect the
housing mounted to a computer system in which the first connector
interface is mated with the system connector of the first type; and
a switching component that implements a switch state, based on a
respective type of the connector interface that is connected to the
system connector, to connect the transceiver to the system
connector of the respective type that is detected as being mated
with one of the multiple connector interfaces.
16. The network interface card module of claim 15, wherein the
housing is dimensioned to (i) attach planarly to a first computer
system to mate the first connector interface of the multiple
connector interfaces to the system connector of the first type, and
(ii) attach edgewise to a second computer system to mate the second
connector interface of the multiple connector interfaces to the
system connector of the second type.
17. The network interface card module of claim 15, wherein the
housing includes a key feature to externally couple to the system
connector of one of the first or second type.
18. The network interface card module of claim 15, wherein the
switching component is a multiplexer.
19. The network interface card module of claim 15, wherein the
first connector interface is a mezzanine connector interface and
the second connector interface is a vertical connector
interface.
20. The network interface card module of claim 15, wherein the
detection circuit includes a voltage divider that is connected to a
mechanical fastening feature of the card module, to respond to a
mechanical coupling being formed using the mechanical fastening
feature.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Card modules provide additional functionality and resources
to computer systems. System administrators, for example, use card
modules to update servers that operate on an enterprise network. In
such cases, card modules can provide, for example, added
functionality to a connected server.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIG. 1 illustrates an example card module having multiple
connector interfaces.
[0003] FIG. 2 illustrates an example method for connecting a card
module to a system computer.
[0004] FIG. 3 illustrates an example network interface card (NIC)
module that can mate with multiple types of motherboard
connectors.
[0005] FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C illustrate an example NIC module of
FIG. 3, mounted to alternative computer systems.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0006] Examples provide for a card module, such as a network
interface controller (NIC) module, that is capable of mating with
multiple types of system connectors (e.g., motherboard connectors).
As described, an example card module includes multiple connector
interfaces, which enables the card module to mate with system
connectors (e.g., motherboard connectors) of different types. The
use of multiple connector interfaces enables the card module to
accommodate computer systems (e.g., servers) of different
form-factors, as the type of system connector a computer system
employs is often based on the computer system's form factor.
[0007] In an example, a card module includes multiple connector
interfaces, with each connector interface being matable with a
system connector of a respective type. The card module includes a
detection mechanism that detects when either of the multiple
connector interfaces are mated with a system connector of the
respective type. The card module can also include a switching
component that implements a switch state, where the switch state is
determined by the connector interface that is used to mate with the
system connector. The switching component implements the switch
state to connect a transceiver of the card module to the mated
system connector.
[0008] In variations, the card module corresponds to a network
interface card module, having, for example, a first connector
interface for mating with a mezzanine type connector of a first
type of computer system, and a second connector interface for
mating with a vertical type connector of a second type of computer
system. In such examples, the first and second types of computer
systems may vary by form factor, as well as by the type of system
connectors provided with each of the respective types of computer
systems.
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an example card module having multiple
connector interfaces. In an example of FIG. 1, a card module 100
can be implemented as a hardware package that augments, or
otherwise extends functionality of a host computer system. By way
of example, the card module 100 can correspond to a network
interface controller (NIC) module that provides server security
management capabilities to a host computer system. In examples, the
card module 100 is capable of mating with multiple types of host
system connectors. In particular, the card module 100 is capable of
mating with multiple types of system connectors (e.g., connectors
mounted on motherboards, or motherboard connectors).
[0010] An example of FIG. 1 recognizes that the type of system
connectors which computer systems (e.g., servers) utilize is based
on form factor considerations. In the case of servers, for example,
a rack and tower form factor may utilize a mezzanine type system
connector, while a more compact server form factor may utilize a
vertical system connector. Card modules are an important tool for
managing and operating many types of computer systems, such as
servers. Under conventional approaches, card modules are
manufactured for specific types of system connectors, and
manufacturers provide alternative variations of a given card module
design to accommodate different computer system form factors. While
a given card module design can be manufactured separately for
specific types of system connectors (and thus different computer
system form factors), examples recognize that inefficiencies exist
(e.g., manufacturing redundancy) with respect to manufacturing
separate card modules for different form factors and/or system
connectors.
[0011] With further reference to an example of FIG. 1, the card
module 100 includes a transceiver 110, a switching component 120, a
detection mechanism 130, and multiple types of connector interfaces
140, 142. The card module 100 can use the connector interfaces 140,
142 to connect to multiple types of system connectors, to connect
the system computer to the transceiver 110. According to examples,
the transceiver 110 can provide a communication port or other
interface to a physical communication medium (e.g., optical cable,
ethernet line, etc.). The transceiver 110 can connect to the
switching component 120 using a set of signal lines.
[0012] The switching component 120 implements a switch state that
connects one of the connector interfaces 140, 142 that is mated
with a corresponding system connector to the transceiver 110. With
each switch state, the switching component 120 can, for example,
map the line definition of a corresponding connector interface 140,
142 to a common signal line definition used with signal lines that
extend to the transceiver 110. Depending on implementation, the
switching component 120 can be implemented as a multiplexer that
can implement two or more switch states. In an example of FIG. 1,
the card module 100 includes two connector interfaces 140, 142,
with each connector interface 140, 142 being matable to a
corresponding type of system connector, and the switching component
120 being configured to implement either of two switch states to
accommodate either of the connector interfaces 140, 142. In
variations, the card module 100 can include three or more connector
interfaces 140, 142, with each connector interface being matable to
a corresponding type of system connector, and the switching
component 120 being configured to implement any one of three or
more switching states to connect either of the connector interfaces
that are mated with a respective type of system connector.
[0013] In some examples, the switch state that the switching
component 120 implements is determined by a value of an input
signal provided by the detection mechanism 130. The detection
mechanism 130 can be implemented as a circuit element which
generates a signal variation as a result of a specific type of
connection being made with a particular system connector. For
example, the detection mechanism 130 can correspond to a circuit
element (e.g., voltage divider) that can detect when the card
module 100 is physically connected to a housing or environment of a
motherboard that uses a type of system connector that mates with
one of the connector interfaces 140, 142.
[0014] In examples in which the card module 100 provides for two
connector interfaces, the input signal for the switching component
120 can be binary (e.g., high/low), and the detection mechanism 130
can be implemented as a circuit element that generates a signal
variation that changes the default value of the input signal when a
connection is detected with a system connector for one of the two
types of connector interfaces 140, 142. Thus, when a physical
connection is made to a system connector or environment (e.g.,
motherboard package) that triggers the detection mechanism 130 to
alter the value of the input signal, the switching component 120
responds by implementing a switch state that connects the connector
interface 140, 142 for the detected type of system connector to the
transceiver 110. Otherwise, the switching component 120 can
implement the default switch state, which connects the other
connector interface 140, 142 to the transceiver 110.
[0015] In variations in which three or more types of connector
interfaces 140, 142 are provided with the card module 100, the
switching component 120 and the detection mechanism 130 can be
configured to detect and respond to a physical connection or
environment for each respective type of system connector. In this
way, the detection mechanism 130 can be implemented as a hardware
mechanism. In other variations, the switching component 120 and/or
detection mechanism 130 can use electrical input from a mated
system connector to detect which of the connector interfaces 140,
142 are connected to a corresponding type of system connector.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an example method for connecting a card
module to a system computer. In particular, an example of FIG. 2
illustrates implementation of a card module to connect with any one
of multiple types of system connectors, such as provided with
computer systems that utilize different form factors. In describing
an example of FIG. 2, reference may be made to elements of FIG. 1
for purpose of illustrating suitable components for performing a
step of sub-step being described.
[0017] In an example, the card module 100 can detect any one of
multiple connector interfaces provided on the card module, as being
used with a system connector of a respective type (210). For
example, the detection mechanism 130 can detect when the card
module 100 is physically connected to the housing or package of a
motherboard or computer system that utilizes a particular type of
connector interface. In variations, the detection mechanism 130 can
detect when one of the connector interfaces 140, 142 is mated with
a corresponding type of system connector. For example, the
detection mechanism 130 can detect a signal pattern or
characteristic of when a system connector of a particular type is
mated with a respective one of the connector interfaces 140,
142.
[0018] In examples, the card module 100 can implement a switch
state based on a respective type of the connector interface that is
connected to the system connector (220). The switching component
120 can implement a switch state that is specific to the connector
interface 140, 142 that is mated or otherwise to be connected to a
corresponding system connector. The determination of the switch
state can be based on an input signal provided by a detection
mechanism, as a response to a mechanical and/or electrical
connection of the card module 100 to a computer system, environment
or system connector of a particular type.
[0019] The card module 100 can connect the detection mechanism 130
to the system connector of the respective type that is detected as
being mated with one of the multiple connector interfaces (230). In
examples, the switching component 120 can implement a switch state
that maps signal lines of the mated connector interface 140, 142 to
signal lines that extend to the detection mechanism 130.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates an example card module that can mate with
multiple types of motherboard connectors. In an example, the NIC
module 300 can correspond to a network interface card (NIC) module
includes a housing 302 having a base on which a set of network
resources is provided. In some examples, the set of network
resources include hardware components for receiving/transmitting
network communications, using a specific type of physical
communication medium (e.g., optical fiber, data line, etc.). The
housing 302 can support a transceiver 310, a multiplexer 320, a
detection circuit 330, a first connector interface 340, and a
second connector interface 342. The NIC module 300 can provide
hardware resources that extend network communication functionality
to a connected computer. By way of example, the transceiver 310 can
include an interface to a physical communication layer, such as
provided by an optical cable or data transmission line. The NIC
module 300 can further include resources to manage incoming and
outgoing communications through the transceiver 310. In some
examples, the NIC module 300 can be connected to a computer system,
using one of the 340, 342 and a mated motherboard connector, in
order to enable the computer system to receive and/or transmit
communications via the NIC module 300.
[0021] In an example, the multiplexer 320 uses the detection
circuit 330 to set the switch state. Depending on the switch state,
the multiplexer 320 maps or otherwise connects the signal lines
extending from one of the connector interfaces 340, 342 to signal
lines 322 that extend to the detection circuit 330. In a default
switching state, the multiplexer 320 connects the signal lines of
one of the connector interfaces to the transceiver 310. The switch
state of the multiplexer 320 can be determined by the signal line
value (e.g., high or low) provided by the detection circuit 330. In
some examples, the detection circuit 330 can be connected to a
mechanical fastening feature 332, which can cause a signal
variation (e.g., from high to low, or low to high). By way of
example, the mechanical fastening feature 332 can correspond to an
aperture provided on the base of the housing 302. The mechanical
fastening feature 332 can receive, for example, an insertive
mechanical fastener, such as a screw. In this way, the mechanical
fastening feature 332 can be used to mechanically couple the NIC
module 300 to a motherboard with connectors of a type that mate
with the first connector interface. The detection circuit 330 can
be connected to the mechanical fastening feature 332 to generate
the signal variation, coinciding with, for example, the aperture
receiving the insertive fastener when the NIC module 300 is coupled
to a server which utilizes a motherboard with mezzanine connectors.
Absent the variation which may be generated by the mechanical
fastening feature 332, the multiplexer 320 can implement a default
or alternative switch state that connects the signal lines of the
other connector interface to the transceiver 310.
[0022] In an example, the NIC module 300 can be supported planarly
(or flat) on the base of the housing 302 to mate with a first type
of system connector (e.g., mezzanine type connector). Additionally,
the NIC module 300 can be supported vertically, or edge wise, in
order to connect to a second type of connector. Still further, in
some variations, the housing 302 may include a key feature 306 that
enables the NIC module 300 to be supported in alternative
positions, while connected to a computer system using one of the
connector interfaces 340, 342.
[0023] FIG. 4A illustrates NIC module 300 mounted in the planarly
configuration, to mate with a motherboard connector of a computer
system 410 (e.g., rack and tower server) that supports, for
example, a mezzanine connector 414. In an example of FIG. 4A, the
mezzanine connector 414 is mated with respective connector
interface 340 of the NIC module 300. The NIC module 300 can
utilize, for example, the mechanical fastening feature 332 to
trigger a signal variation to the multiplexer 320 via the detection
circuit 330 (see FIG. 3).
[0024] FIG. 4B illustrates the NIC module 300 mounted in a vertical
position, to mate with a motherboard connector of a computer system
420 with a relatively small form factor. When mounted in the
vertical configuration, the NIC module 300 uses the vertical (or
right-angle) connector interface 342 to mate with the motherboard
connector of the computer system 420.
[0025] FIG. 4C illustrates the NIC module 300 mounted to a bracket
430, using the housing key feature 306 (see FIG. 3). With the
bracket, the NIC module 300 can be mated vertically with other
types of computer systems which utilize vertical or right angle
connectors.
[0026] It is contemplated for embodiments described herein to
extend to individual elements and concepts described herein,
independently of other concepts, ideas or system, as well as for
embodiments to include combinations of elements recited anywhere in
this application. Although embodiments are described in detail
herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to those precise
embodiments. As such, many modifications and variations will be
apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. Accordingly, it is
intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
following claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it is
contemplated that a particular feature described either
individually or as part of an embodiment can be combined with other
individually described features, or parts of other embodiments,
even if the other features and embodiments make no mentioned of the
particular feature. Thus, the absence of describing combinations
should not preclude the inventor from claiming rights to such
combinations.
* * * * *